Spindle Speed with the GS2 Drive

[Gene Warren <gwarren-at-execpc.com>]

  List:

     This fall I am going to be involved with a retrofit of a 
Wells-Index knee mill, model 810.  It currently has three axis movement 
with servo drives (Westamp) and encoder (differential) feedback on each 
axis.  The spindle is spun by a 3 horse, 3-phase, 1800 RPM, 220 VAC motor.

     The "iron" is in excellent shape, but the electronic control is by 
Sharnoa that needs to be scrapped.  We are going with the Servo-to-Go 
card, a BDI box, and whatever else it takes for a professional retrofit. 
 This is an industrial strength (small shop) machine, and we want an 
industrial strength controller for it.  I have absolutely no experience 
with EMC or Linux, but am not afraid to try.  I have 25+ years repairing 
CNC controls, sometimes down to the transistor or chip level.  (Ever see 
a GE-100 control?)  I have gone through the GE100, 7500, MC1000, AB 73xx 
series, AB8400, 8600, 9-series, Okuma, Esab Atas, and a bunch of other 
ones I really like to forget about.  My work does not involve me with 
the mechanics of the machines, just the electrical maintenance.  Anyway, 
I have enough experience and troubleshooting skills with NC-CNC controls 
so they haven't fired me yet.

     This project is not for my company, but for a frustrated friend who 
has a Wells-Index that is difficult to operate and is  temperamental. 
 (The machine, not my friend.)

     I am NOT a machinist or a G-code programmer; my passion is control. 
 (It's a "freak" thing.)  My friend would like to electronically control 
(program) the spindle speed.  Don't know why, or care.  My friend knows 
squat about electronics.

     I have read this list about 3 years now, and feel that EMC (the 
"gift", as someone called it) is the way to go.  I DO know that if I 
have a problem with this installation, someone on this list will either 
have the answer or will be able to point me in the right direction.

     So, after this rambling, and not so modest, introduction, I'll get 
to my question for the list:

     Has anyone ever used the GS2-AC Drive in an EMC machine?  This 
drive is speed-controllable via a Com. port or via direct relay-type 
command.  You give it a speed code and it goes there. You can also 
control the speed with a 0 to 10 volt DC input. 5 volts = 0 speed, 5 to 
0 volts one direction, 5 to 10 volts the other direction.  It has the 
added advantage of running a 3-phase motor in either direction on 
1-phase incoming.  This might be good for tapping? It will not run a 
1-phase motor. About $400.00  They claim speed regulation to 0.1 Hz.

      There is a PDF file about it on http://www.automationdirect.com   
 I don't work for this company and didn't hear about it until the past 
week.  I am trying to find someone with experience who has integrated 
this drive into EMC.  I want the rosey-glasses and the worst-case 
information.

     The budget, like anyone's, is slim.  About $2,500.00, not including 
my time.

     I may sound abrupt, but I try to be a nice guy. At least after my 
first cup of coffee.

Later,
Gene